Parents as Educators (2001-2004)
This initiative, which ran between 2001 -2004, turned the idea of learners and teachers on its head. Children in Scotland, working in partnership with Capability Scotland, was the lead agency in this European project.

Adult educators can use the concept of pedagogy, that describes teaching and learning methods in which both teacher and learner contribute to the learning process.

Parents as educators used the pedagogical model to develop learning and understanding in the field of disability. The project helped parents of children with disabilities to develop their knowledge base, self-confidence and skills and to share these with other parents and professionals.

A European Dimension

The project was a partnership between parents in Scotland, Italy and France. Through a series of learning exchanges too each partner country, parents shared their experiences in order to learn from each other. The study visits highlighted the differences and commonalities in each countries approach to children and young people with disabilities and their families.

Key Themes

The project focused on the education, health and social experience of parents of disabled children. Its aims were

• for parents of children with a disability to examine and learn from the different models of service and experiences available to parents in participating countries
• to promote amongst professionals, recognotion of the value and role of parents as educators and experts
• to empower parents in order that they become educators for other parents

For more information visit the project website. link

The project was sponsored by Socrates Gundtvig

 
group of young people chatting (image)